A pair of bronze tigers Edo period (1615-1868), mid 19th century Each originally a handle for a vessel with an opening on its belly, freely modelled with rather grotesque facial features and long tails curling over their backs, one with its mouth open and the other close-mouthed with a stern expression, the stylised hairwork deeply engraved on their bodies; unsigned. Each tiger: 9cm x 13cm (3½in x 5 1/8in). (2).